by Staff Report , USA TODAY Sports

by Staff Report , USA TODAY Sports

Arkansas-Pine Bluff said a freshman walk-on linebacker was shot to death outside his home in Louisiana.

The university said Lydell Hartford Jr., 20, died early Tuesday at his home in Waggaman, La. Authorities said Hartford was fatally shot by a 16-year-old friend who was playing with a gun.

The Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office said the teen apparently thought the gun was unloaded when he squeezed the trigger several times. Hartford was killed by a gunshot wound to the neck.

According to a news release on the school's athletics website, the sheriff's office said the .38-caliber gun belonged to Hartford's mother. Hartford and the 16-year-old were in a car belonging to Hartford's mother that was parked in the driveway at the Hartford residence when the 16-year old found the gun.

The boy, who was not identified by the sheriff's office because he is a juvenile, was arrested on a negligent homicide charge.

Defensive coordinator Earl Buckingham, who worked directly with Hartford, said the team is mourning the loss. Buckingham said Hartford was a "good kid" who loved playing for the Golden Lions.

In the release on the athletics website, UAPB head coach Monte Coleman said, "Our hearts and prayers really go out to Hartford and his family. He was proud to be a part of the team. I am sad to see another young person leave this earth too soon. He will be missed."